Modern Vespa

Hi we are looking to buy a 400 for my wife (the 500 is too big and heavy), but the 400 seems to fit her better. We test drove a 400 today, that was in good shape except the owner dropped it hard enough to knock plastic off the front console. During the test-drive I was doing some 360's and it seemed to almost over steer turning right. I'm not sure if this is a facet of the 400 compared to the 500. ie. Does the heavier weight of the 500 cause a difference in handling vs the 400? My concern is whether the drop bent something in the alignment, and if so can it be repaired? Oh, also there wasn't a shimmy in the front end of the bike either at slow speed or higher speed. Any insight would be appreciated. Thanks Jeff

A lot depends on the profile of the rear tyre for the 'steering' feeling. The 500 with new stock tyres certainly needs quite a bit of conscious counter-steering at slow speeds. The 400LT I rode a few weeks ago needed none, and nor does my 500 with a new 150/70 fitted to the rear instead of the stock 140/70.

Jim, hadn't thought about the effect of rear tire size on the steering difference. Do you have any experience with front end damage on an mp3. I would think damage to the front end (alignment) would cause a shimmy an uneven tire wear over time?

An ordinary 'drop' as we understand that word shouldn't cause any alignment problems with the front wheel set-up. However the handlebars may not be absolutely aligned correctly, and this could cause a strange 'feel'. Had this on Joyce's bike a couple of weeks ago. I trust she has had the pinch-bolt re-torqued...

Isn't the weight of the 400 and the 500 identical?

Yep, good catch, the weight of the 500 and the 400 are identical. The 250 is aout 100 lbs. lighter. I mentioned that the 500 is too heavy for my wife, but the seat width (30.9) for the 500 vs 29.3 on the 400 seems to make a difference in her comfort. Also, from a safety perspective, the seat width (smaller) allows her to place her feet flat on the street when stopped vs being on her toes at a stop. The concern here is during an emergency stop being able to better control the bike.

The 400 weighs more. Before you chew my ear off, think about 'real world' numbers as opposed to those on a tech sheet. The 400 has more storage and thus will likely be loaded down more often with more wgt. Also, from what I've seen, the majority of 400 owners quickly add a larger screen and a topcase. It very quickly changes to a tourer where as most 500 owners keep theirs either bare or with a smaller topcase. Not saying anyone has to do this, but if you take the two models off the floor and check back a year later, the 400 will likely weigh more.

Ihave had a 250 for 4000 miles, 400 for 8000 miles, and now a 500 for 4000 miles. I am 5'7" 110lbs, and rode 2 wheels before the MP3 scoots.

Here is my 2 cents on the different rides. The 250 is the easiest of all. But for highway speeds around here you really need more. Also hills just kill it. I cannot tell any weight difference between the 400 and 500. When something over 500 pounds starts to go down it really does not matter to me if it 543lbs or 555lbs, I am just getting out of the way! My 500 can with different fronts than the 400 and they seem to have a quicker turn in than the 400, but both require counter steering. Both are very stable.

Biggest differences between 400 and 500

1. Power - no denying it the 500 just has more power. I had a J Costa on my 400 and even with that I much prefer the 500 power. No top speed, but power pulling out of corners and passing (especially on mountain roads).

2. Comfort - 400 wins hands down. Seat is more comfortable. 500 seat tilts forward. Wind protection with the Fabbri windshield is just amazing on the 400.

I do not see storage as an issue on either because for $60 you can add a great little top case that looks perfect on the 500.

Now here is the real stupid thing. I find that I am more comfortable riding the 500 on dirt roads. I think I am just not afraid of protecting the nice plastic of the 400, or just a mind set. My husband rides a BMW GS so we are always finding small one lane/dirt roads to explore.

If she is a new rider I would get a used 250 and then move up to the 400/500 after a couple of tire changes.

Cheers,
Jill

Great feedback Jill!
PM sent to the OP

Jill, excellent feedback, thanks for taking the time to do this. We are going to ride a 250 today, and make a decision between the 250 and the 400.

We are now a two mp3 family. After riding a two wheeler (vespa 250), she decided the MP3 250 was the bike for her. Thanks for all the advice and tips! cheers

Great! She is going to love it. If it is not a 2010 250 keep an eye on the rear tire. Have fun.

Cheers,
Jill